Collins' Two Run Single Caps Five-Run Comeback Against Schaumburg, Wild Things Playoff Magic Num

WASHINGTON, Pa. (Aug. 22) — Down 7-3 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, a throwing error started a five-run rally, and the first-place Wild Things gutted out an 8-7 win over the Schaumburg Boomers in the middle contest of a three-game set Wednesday night at Wild Things Park. The comeback was capped off by a two-run single from left fielder Roman Collins as the Wild Things' playoff magic number is down to six.

Schaumburg (42-44) jumped ahead right away off Washington starter Levi MaVorhis, plating four runs in the top of the first. Right fielder and cleanup hitter Zack Weigel drove home second baseman Jack Parenty to open the scoring, and first baseman Collin Ferguson subsequently hit a two-run triple to make it 3-0. One batter later, the Boomers added on when Ferguson scored on a single by third baseman Kenny Towns.

The Wild Things (50-36) cut the deficit in half with two runs in the fourth. Catcher Kyle Pollock singled to score first baseman Reydel Medina, and Pollock came around two batters later on a single by designated hitter Conner Simonetti. Simonetti finished the night going 2-4 with three RBI and a run scored.

It remained a two-run game until the top of the sixth. With two on and two out, Schaumburg’s shortstop and number nine hitter Michael Hartnagel topped off a 10-pitch at bat against reliever Davis Adkins with his first home run of the season to make it 7-2.

Washington’s rally started in the seventh inning on a solo home run by center fielder James Harris, his 14th of the season. It remained 7-3 until the Wild Things broke through in the eighth. Harris was one of five Wild Things with two hits on the night.

The inning began with right fielder Hector Roa reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Towns. It looked like Schaumburg would get out of it with the lead intact when reliever Darrell Thompson subsequently retired second baseman Carter McEachern, walked Pollock, and struck out shortstop Ryan Cox, but the floodgates soon opened.

Simonetti made it 7-5 with a two-out, two-run double. After third baseman Ramsey Romano singled, Simonetti came around to score on a wild pitch with Harris batting to cut the deficit to one. Harris ended up walking, which set the stage for Collins, who greeted reliever Jake Joyce by driving home Harris and Romano to give the Wild Things an 8-7 advantage heading into the ninth.

Closer Zach Strecker shut the door with a 1-2-3 ninth for his 20th save. Reliever James Meeker his first professional win for Washington, throwing two scoreless innings, while Thompson took the loss after giving up five unearned runs.

Both starting pitchers received no decisions. Levi MaVorhis stayed at 2-2 despite allowing no runs on just one hit after the first inning. MaVorhis finished the night giving up four runs on five hits over five frames while walking two and striking out one. For Schaumburg, Gunnar Kines (6-2) allowed two runs on eight hits over six while walking none and posting nine strikeouts.

The series finale is scheduled for tomorrow night. Michael Austin will start for the Wild Things, opposing Kit Fowler. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.